Generally, we do not cover breaking news at American Thinker, as analysis is our forte.  But for several hours now, a van that appears to be armored has been attacking the Dallas Police Department headquarters with gunfore and has dropped off several packages, at least two of which appear to contain explosives.

It is too early to know who exactly is carrying out the attack or how many people are involved.  The AP reports:

[Dallas Police Chief David] Brown said during a news conference that the shootout began about 12:30 a.m. Saturday, when the suspects parked in front of the building located south of downtown and began firing. He said at least one of the suspects fled the scene in a van that rammed a police cruiser before leading police on a chase that ended in an ongoing standoff at parking lot in the nearby suburb of Hutchins, where additional gunfire was exchanged.

Brown said the suspect driving the van has told officers that he blames police for losing custody of his son and "accusing him of being a terrorist." The gunman also said he had explosives in the van, which appeared to be outfitted with gun ports in the sides.

Brown said negotiations with that suspect and the SWAT unit are ongoing. No injuries were reported.

Whatever the motive of the attacker(s), it is clear that an atmosphere of hatred toward police has been ginned up for political and personal profit.  And whatever the faults of individual police officers, without police protecting us, barbarism would rule.